Your Borough needs YOU

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is calling to arms local groups to join England’s biggest ever litter campaign, The Big Tidy Up 2009.

The initiative, organized by Keep Britain Tidy, is helping communities get together to clean up their own patch.

For more information, or to register, log onto www.thebigtidyup.org

You will receive a kit containing tabard bibs, refuse sacks, posters, badges, stickers and a guide on carrying out tidy-ups safely.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “This exciting campaign gives Blackburn with Darwen a real chance to get the community working together to make a difference to the area.

“We’re encouraging groups to get involved and we will give as much help and advice as possible. Even though it’s not a competition, it would be great to see Blackburn with Darwen register the most groups or number of bags collected.”

Lowest overall council tax in Lancashire expected as Blackburn with Darwen budget plans revealed

Blackburn with Darwen Council looks set to agree the lowest overall council tax in Lancashire. The overall increase has been limited to just 1.95 per cent–the lowest in the county for the second year running.

The basic annual bill for the coming year for the average Band D household in the borough is likely to be set at £1,243.22 (excluding police and fire charges which are the same across Lancs).

The decision will be taken on Monday, March 2 at the Finance Council meeting.

Councillor Mike Lee, leader of the ruling Conservative, Liberal Democrat and For Darwen partnership, said: “We have done this while maintaining our promise to deliver quality, value for money services. Millions of pounds will be invested in projects and facilities which will have a long and lasting legacy - shaping a better Blackburn with Darwen for today’s and future generations.

“Our Council has a key support role to play in the current difficult economic times. We are also confident that the investments plans will help insulate businesses from the full effects of the downturn.”

The Audit Commission recently awarded the Council the highest possible ‘four star’ rating and judged it to be “performing strongly”. Educational attainment is at a record high, crime is down and residents are accessing free leisure for the first time. The Pennine Lancashire Multi Area Agreement (MAA) was formally signed by the prime minister in January further strengthening a co-ordinated approach to delivering priorities.

“The Council is responsible for providing more than 800 services. There is always more that can be done to improve these, offer further good value for money and enhance performance,” added Councillor Lee.

“Our commitment – shared with partners across the local area - remains to focus on the issues and services that we believe make the biggest difference to your lives ranging from social care and safeguarding children to community safety and strengthening neighbourhood and tackling poor health.”

The Council’s budget this year is £386.8m (around 40 per cent of it comes from council tax). The planned main projects and developments for the year and beyond where relevant include:

- skills development as part of the £6m investment programme targeted at addressing worklessness
- investing £500k to improve highway maintenance and significant new road schemes including the Furthergate Link Road
- continuation of joint Council and NHS Blackburn with Darwen £2m annual investment to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in the borough
- investing in outdoor space including large scale enhancement of Witton Park
- significant improvements to Darwen Railway Station
- regeneration of the cathedral quarter
- the Building Schools for the Future programme is set to transform secondary education and put schools at the heart of the community.
- spending £250,000 for the five neighbourhoods to determine their own priorities.
- taking ownership of Turton Tower the borough’s only grade 1 listed building

A cross section of people in the borough were surveyed using a points system to show which service areas they would like to see either a reduction or a increase in levels of spending. The findings – reflected in the proposed budget plans - highlighted community safety and environmental improvements as priorities.

‘Discover Darwen’ is right up Shobna’s street!

Visitors who go into Darwen town centre around noon this Thursday will have the opportunity to meet the actress as she takes part in some of the activities on offer at the three-day event.

And visitors who do go in to the town to meet the celebrity will also have an opportunity to visit the market as traders open their doors for an extra day.

‘Discover Darwen’ will take place on February 19, 20 and 21, with the main attraction being an ice rink outside the markets and town hall.

Other activities that will take place over the three days include Punch & Judy, children’s craft making sessions, a hog roast and cookery and beauty demonstrations.

The musical element of the celebration will feature Irish dancing and Morris dancing along with local Lion Dancers.

Along with the host of activities for both children and adults there will be information available about major changes to bus services in and around Darwen and the police and fire service will be on hand to talk about the services they provide across the town and rural areas.

Twin Valley Homes will have a stand and staff from the re:fresh your health and wellbeing campaign will present to discuss what is on offer under the scheme.

107 The Bee will do a live broadcast from Darwen town centre on Saturday afternoon and Darwen’s Cascade Roadshow will provide music and entertainment throughout the three days.

For more information about ‘Discover Darwen’ contact the project manager, Elyse Chatterton on 077974942224.

Support For Rail Improvements In Darwen

Passengers in Pennine Lancashire could benefit from a new approach to Government funding of new local and regional train services.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced today that the Department for Transport could take over long-term financial support for new or enhanced rail services that are promoted successfully by local authorities and Passenger Transport Authorities.

Blackburn with Darwen Council would like to get a new off-peak Blackburn to Manchester service running for passengers every half hour, under a proposal being developed with Network Rail and Northern Rail.

Other initiatives which authorities are looking at include a new service between Burnley and Manchester and improved services in the Tees Valley.

If services like these, prove successful they could be funded through franchise agreements.

Many local authorities have found it difficult to take forward improved services because of the potentially high running costs involved. Under this new approach, after a successful trial period, local authorities could ask the DfT to consider supporting the services through a franchise agreement.

To benefit from the new arrangements, the new or enhanced service would have to have been run successfully for the first three years and show good value for money.

The Government could then decide to take on long term financial responsibility for these successful services, easing the burden on local authorities and ensuring the continued operation of a service which is benefiting passengers.

Councillor Michael Lee, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The future growth and prosperity of Pennine Lancashire is inextricably linked to the economic success of Manchester – and vice versa given our economic transformation agenda. Improved public transport links between our towns and cities is essential if these aspirations and economic benefits are to be realised and shared more widely than at present”.

Burnley council leader, Gordon Birtwistle, said: “This is great news. If the government can provide us with long-term support with the running costs in re-opening the Todmorden Curve, that will be another step towards making this important aspiration a reality. Re-opening the Todmorden Curve, just 350 metres of track, will halve travel time to Manchester from 80 minutes to 40 minutes and bring somewhere in the region of £8 million to the local economy. Improving rail links in Burnley and Blackburn is vital for the continued economic growth of the Pennine Lancashire region.”

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said: “This new approach could bring real benefits for passengers by encouraging local authorities and train companies to work together to introduce new or improved services. The availability of funding should provide the encouragement local authorities are looking for if they believe there’s a sound case based on passenger demand for improving a service or bringing in a new one. “

To take advantage of the new scheme local authorities must first identify the best way of meeting a local transport need. If a train service offers the best solution and has support from the rail industry, the local authority must then show that the rail scheme has a business case, secure the necessary start-up capital funding, (through sources such as the Regional Funding Allocation), and commit to funding the service for at least three years.

If successful the new service could then be included within a franchise agreement, guaranteeing its future operation. Services which have proved successful could get funding from April 2014, from a budget set in 2012.

Hospital Bus Service Reinstated in Darwen

A bus service between Darwen and the Royal Blackburn Hospital has been reinstated following talks between Blackburn with Darwen Council and the operators.

Transdev, which operates the SpotOn route 2 service, announced last month that from February 22, passengers would be dropped off in Haslingden Road, leaving them with a long walk to the entrance.

The service runs from Sunnybower to Blackburn, Darwen and Hoddlesden.

The Council held talks with the bus operators and they have decided to reinstate the service.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “We are pleased that Transdev have listened to the feedback from ourselves and the public and decided to reinstate the service. Route 2 is an important route, taking people from Darwen to the hospital.”

Other major timetable changes are due to be introduced on Sunday, February 22.

Free security upgrade for residents in Blackburn and Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen Council is offering residents help with extra security measures for their home. Residents within the Infirmary area of Blackburn and part of Darwen could receive a free survey and security upgrade including new door locks, window locks and security lighting.

The security improvement scheme is funded through the Housing Market Renewal Programme and will be delivered by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire.

The (HMR) programme is a government initiative designed to tackle the problems caused by failure in the private sector housing market. The project will operate in the streets adjacent to major regeneration projects and will help to tackle community issues in the wider area around clearance projects.

Residents will receive a leaflet outlining the scheme, informing them they are entitled to a free survey, which will identify what is required to improve the security of their home.

The surveys and upgrades will be carried out by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, the biggest environmental charity in Lancashire, who work with businesses and the community by improving the environment of both.

Councilor Salim Lorgat, executive member for housing said: “The scheme is aimed at improving the security of residents living around the HMR areas, so that they feel safe in their homes.”

Nick Riley, director of Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, added: “This work will seek to ensure that residents feel that they are able to live in a safe environment. It also helps to improve community confidence which will bolster house prices in the area and help stabilise the local housing market”.

Residents, who have received a leaflet and wish to receive a free survey, can contact Groundwork on (01254) 669061 for more information.

If you’d like to know more about housing market renewal email hmr@blackburn.gov.uk or visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/hmr

Celebrate 50 Year's Of Tamla Motown

Join in the celebrations at Hollins Grove Conservative Club on Friday 13th February where at charity Soul/Motown night is taking place.

The party night, in aid of Child Action Northwest, is being held to celebrate 50 year's of Tamla Motown. Tickets are just £2.00 and the event runs from 8pm til late.

If you're interested in buying a ticket please contact Vince on the number below:

Local Valentines Day Entertainment

Enjoy a Valentine's Evening at the Hollins Grove Conservative Club, Darwen, where Michael G Barron will be entertaining guests with a selection of songs.

Entry is absolutely FREE and the event starts at 7.45pm on Saturday 14th February. Why not get on down? We'd love to see your pictures of the event and receive feedback if you attend!

MP Hopeful Launches Darwen Soul & Salsa Night

The prospective MP for Rossendale and Darwen Jake Berry brought a bit of latino to the area after he launched a new Darwen Soul and Salsa social dance network on Saturday.

Jake Berry attended the event at Hollins Grove Conservative Club in Darwen to promote the new network, which is run by Eileen Connell.

Anyone can pop along and they do not have to bring a partner with them. The classes were launched not only as a way to get fit and healthy, but also for people across the area to get to know each other.

Mr Berry said: "Dancing is a great way of keeping fit and meeting new people. Eileen has done a fantastic job founding this new group. I hope that it goes from strength to strength and helps to bring people together. You never know, I may have a go at it myself!"

"Anyone interested in trying something different should definitely come along and try it out. I'm currently having dance lessons with my fiancé Charlotte for our wedding at the end of the month, but I might get her to come with me to salsa if we fancy a change- although I think she will be better at it!," he added